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Council adopts FY 2026–27 budget, acknowledging a projected $847,100 general‑fund shortfall
Summary
The council adopted the city’s FY 2026–27 budget and the Housing Authority budget, despite a projected general‑fund shortfall of $847,100 covered by reserves; the budget packet includes service adjustments, staff promotions, and an emphasis on reserve protections pending Measure X results.
The Loma Linda City Council adopted the proposed FY 2026–27 budget after a multi‑part presentation by finance staff and recommendations from the budget committee.
Finance Director Anna Briones presented the budget highlights: top general‑fund revenue sources (sales tax, motor vehicle license fees, property tax), a projected general‑fund revenue total of about $30.5 million, and a projected general‑fund operating deficit of $847,100 for FY 2026–27. Briones said the deficit would be covered by reserves if needed and identified major drivers including a $977,000 citywide CalPERS unfunded actuarial liability payment and increased personnel costs tied to approved salary schedules.
The budget package assumes conservative revenue growth and includes $1.5 million in economic development set‑asides within the Housing Authority fund to support the Mary Erickson housing project. Staff also noted sewer fund expenditures would increase due to San Bernardino pass‑through treatment cost increases discussed earlier in the meeting.
Budget Committee chair Jake Alon presented committee recommendations and two scenarios: one assuming no additional revenue and another that assumes Measure X passes. Alon urged the council to adopt policies that would dedicate any new Measure X revenue toward capital and one‑time investments rather than recurring personnel costs and cautioned against continued reliance on reserves. Councilmembers and staff discussed succession planning for senior management, the role of intern hires, and the need to evaluate long‑term staffing after recent promotions.
After discussion council adopted the final city budget and the Loma Linda Housing Authority budget by resolution; the council also adopted the city’s amended appropriations (Gann) limit and approved the investment policy and a separate COPS expenditure plan. Several councilmembers asked staff to produce more comparative analyses of public‑safety spending and to prepare options should the San Bernardino sewer increases be subsidized.
The adopted budget authorizes staff to proceed with the FY 2026–27 work plan and capital projects listed in the budget document. Council and budget committee members emphasized that reserves are intended for emergencies and encouraged conservative planning until additional, recurring revenues are secured.
